Margot Robbie filming Z for Zachariah in New Zealand

We spoke to one of the film’s producers Thor Sigurjonsson who confirmed that shooting started yesterday (27 January), and will mainly use locations around Canterbury, the area that surrounds Christchurch.

The film is directed by Craig Zobel and is based on Robert O’Brien’s 1974 children’s sci-fi novel set in a post-apocalyptic, remote valley which has survived nuclear war due to its own self-contained weather system.

Hollywood A-lister Tobey Maguire also produces; the project comes from his company Material Pictures, along with LA’s Benaroya Pictures and Zik Zak Kvikmyndir (aka Zik Zak Filmworks) in Iceland. Other producers are Sigurjon Sighvatsson, Matthew Plouffe, Skuli Fr. Malmquist and Michael Benaroya.

Film New Zealand worked closely with the producers in setting up the feature to shoot in the country; the organisation’s chief executive Gisella Carr said of the decision: “We are thrilled such a prestigious project is coming to New Zealand. To see a seminal piece of children’s literature brought to the screen here with a celebrated cast and production team is tremendous.

“This announcement represents a classic team effort by the New Zealanders involved, line producer Murray Francis, Film New Zealand’s specialist enquiries team, and the local authorities through their regional film offices Film Auckland and Film Otago/Southland are all to be commended.”

For more information on filming in New Zelaand, take a look at our guide.